Murder in Ashurst, Colbury and Ashurst Theatrical Society, Colbury Church Rooms

MURDER in Ashurst consists of not one play but two.

Dogg's Hamlet, written by Tom Stoppard and performed by the talented CATS Youth Theatre, was a treat.

The young cast gave an energetic and sophisticated performance that succeeded in delivering the difficult dialogue with wit and humour.

While it is difficult to single anyone out, Holly Clarkson deserves a special mention for her excellent Hamlet.

Miss Glossop's Weekend Break by Stuart Arden was the society's main production and a very different play, with the title role played to perfection by the wonderful Joanne Denson.

Having a reputation for finding trouble wherever she goes, Miss Glossop's arrival throws the hotel management into panic. As expected, a murder follows with plenty of potential culprits.

Having demonstrated his talents as an actor and puppeteer in the youth performance, Matthew Coombes showed his versatility with a strong and amusing characterisation as French chef Jean-Pierre.

All reviewed amateur productions are considered for the Daily Echo Curtain Call Awards.